Two commuter projects order MotivePower units

Wabtec Corp.’s MotivePower subsidiary has signed contracts valued at about $30 million to build locomotives for commuter rail projects in Central Florida and Seattle. The locomotives are scheduled for delivery in 2012-13.

MotivePower will provide seven remanufactured locomotives to the Florida Department of Transportation for SunRail, a new operation which will run along a 61.5-mile stretch of existing freight rail tracks in Central Florida. The 3,000-hp units will feature MotivePower’s streamlined cab and will be fully compliant with EPA regulations for remanufactured locomotives.

“SunRail” is a $1.04 billion project that will be funded by FDOT, the Federal Transit Administration, the city of Orlando, and several Florida counties, with service expected to begin in 2013. FDOT has an option to purchase up to an additional 13 locomotives as ridership grows.

MotivePower will provide three locomotives to Sound Transit, which operates train and bus service in the Seattle region. These 4,000-hp locomotives will be equipped with Tier 3-compliant engines. Sound Transit plans to expand its commuter service in 2013.

“These orders demonstrate that transit and commuter rail agencies continue to invest in new and expansion projects, and we are pleased to play a vital role in their plans,” said Albert J. Neupaver, Wabtec’s president and chief executive officer.